CA AB1016

Authorizes the California Energy Commission to exempt geothermal thermal powerplants from state certification requirements until January 1, 2030, transferring permitting authority to local governments with land use jurisdiction

Exemption applies to geothermal powerplants with net generating capacity of 50-150 megawatts, modifications adding capacity within that range, or multi-powerplant plans sharing common infrastructure totaling 50+ megawatts

Requires applicants to file with local agencies by June 30, 2029, and the county must have an approved geothermal element in its general plan

Mandates use of a skilled and trained workforce for all construction and maintenance work, with at least 60% of skilled journeypersons being apprenticeship program graduates

Imposes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per month for first violations of workforce requirements and up to $10,000 for subsequent violations within three years, enforced by the Labor Commissioner